Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations of the year for many.
Steeped in tradition and folklore, the holidays also have a connection to ghost stories and long, spooky evening.
Decorating trees with fairy lights and dressing up tables is standard practise – but across Europe, far stranger rituals have taken shape over the years.
From warding off bad spirits by dressing up as furry beasts, to burning effigies of giant goats – some of these real life antics are wilder than fiction and make Santa’s existence seem like a scientific fact.
Here’s how to experience them:
Freakish fancy dressing in Switzerland
Dressing up is almost essential at this time of year but there’s more to the festive wardrobe than sparkly outfits and a red Santa suit. On December 25, residents of Swiss village Kandersteg don macabre outfits to scare aware evil spirits. Expect to find people wrapped in furs and ringing bells. These ‘rag men’ and ‘child eaters’ are a far cry from Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman – but they’ve still earned their place in Christmas folklore. The parade is repeated on January 1 – making doubly sure those demons stay away.
How:
Ramble Worldwide offer a seven-night Winter Walks in Kandersteg trip from £2,099pp, including half-board accommodation and flights. Departs December 20. Visit rambleworldwide.co.uk
Sauna sizzling in Finland
In the chilly Nordic nations, a sauna is an essential way to keep warm. But it’s an opportunity to socialise too. According to the Finnish National Statistics Centre, sauna bathing is one of the most important festive activities. On Christmas Eve, families regularly get together for a traditional joulusauna ritual. On December 24, groups gather in saunas decorated with birch branches and lanterns and leave a gift and treats for the sauna elf, the Saunatonttu, who looks over the sauna and its visitors. Combine the experience with a visit to the home of another great festive legend in Santa’s workshop at Rovaniemi.
How:
Responsible Travel offers a five-day Christmas in Lapland trip from £1,229pp, including full-board accommodation, activities, transfers and winter clothing. Visit responsibletravel.com
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